Their work shines but their lives sans sheen

Old City: The goldsmiths of Bengali origin residing in Hyderabad, some of them from the time of Nizam, have decided to get organised for better bargain and to get their share of pie in the lucrative business. They feel that forming a strong union will not only help them get their rights but can quell harassment meted out at the manufacturing units spread across the city. Speaking to The Hans India, Dipankar Pal, president of Telangana Bengali Samithi, has come up with Hyderabad Bengali Jewellery Workers Union idea with the active backing of about 3,000 of Bengali diaspora. He said that the union would be registered shortly. He elaborated that since the workers from Bengali community were facing hardships at work places and there have been regular incidents of harassment, they decided to come up with the idea of forming the union.

Pal said that the union members would be provided legal aid in cases of harassment or manhandling by the management at the workplace. A committee of legal experts will be set up with likes of advocate Manik Prabhu who had recently helped a worker negotiate terms with his management. “Our jewellery designs are much sought-after not only in Hyderabad, but also in foreign countries. In spite of toiling for this lucrative industry, the workers make paltry earnings. If the workers remain united, they can share their grievances and act accordingly,” said he felt.

The president of Telangana Bengali Samithi is hopeful of getting not only voting rights for all the members of Bengali community, but also seeking other benefits on a par with others in the State, like provision of land, housing and other facilities. “There are 1.8 lakh Bengali workers in Charminar constituency alone and I hope the TRS government which does not discriminate between different sections of the society will help the Bengali workers get their due,” he added. The Bengali goldsmiths are known for their hard work and for keeping afloat the robust jewellery market of Hyderabad from time of Nizam. With increasing demand for their craft, goldsmiths migrated and settled in localities like Ghansi Bazaar. Despite their hard work, an average Bengali goldsmith earns just about Rs 10,000 every month.